What is pewter?

Pewter is an attractive metal which has been used for the production of household and other items in Britain since Roman times. It is an alloy consisting mostly of tin which has been mixed with small amounts of other metals such as copper, lead or antimony to harden it and make it more durable.

Once the Romans had left in the 5th century little pewter was made here until the craft was reintroduced in the 12th century, probably by Cistercian monks. They used the metal to make chalices, patens and spoons for ceremonial use but the versatility of pewter was soon recognised by the wider community.

During the 17th and 18th centuries pewter would have been found in every household. Jugs, plates, buttons, pilgrim badges, tankards, wine cups, inkwells, candlesticks and spoons are just some of the many items for which it was used. Pewter wears are still being made today.

Early consumer protection

Pewter became such an important commodity that the alloy quality needed to be controlled so as an early form of consumer protection, the London pewterers were granted a charter by King Edward IV in 1474 giving them legal control over the manufacture of pewter throughout England. Their guild, The Worshipful Company of Pewterers, still works hard to promote modern British pewter through its annual Pewter Live design competition.

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Why collect British pewter?

It has a subtle beauty, is very tactile and comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. It often has a soft, lustrous sheen but the colour can alter depending on the conditions it has been kept in over the years making for a more interesting display.

As it was used throughout society, from royal households to the very poorest people, it gives areal link with the past and a sense of continuity with previous owners over many centuries.

With such a wide time span and variety of goods items can be found to suit every pocket.

Like silver, it is often stamped with maker's marks and engraved with ownner's marks which can be satisfying to identify.

It is low maintenance, being a very stable alloy, an occasional rub with a soft cloth or wash in warm, soapy water is usually sufficient to keep it looking attractive.

Help from the Pewter Society

The Society is willing to help members of the public identify individual items of pewter if we can.

This service is free, but it is not available to dealers nor to individuals if the sole purpose of the identification is to facilitate the sale of the item.